Vision and Safety
Page 28
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HOWEVER well a motor vehicle, whether it be for goods or passengers, may be designed and constructed with the objects of giving it a long life with safety as regards mechanism and bodywork, it is our view that the full safety factor has not been achieved unless the range of vision afforded to the driver is the maximum practicably possible.
In these days of traffic congestion, many drivers from abroad, not fully acquainted with our trafficregulations and signals, and a road system which, from the safety aspect, is archaic, it is of the utmost importance that the driver of every vehicle, whether IL be merely a milk float or the largest "heavy," , should be able to see clearly ahead and to the sides of his vehicle and as close to these points as possible, so that even small children a few feet_ away, can be seen immediately.
AS regards the view to the rear, this is obviously a much more difficult matter, but good mirrors at each side, carefully focused, are probably more satisfactory than the internal types fitted to so many cars and which limit the view to what can be seen through the back window or windows, some" of which are regrettably small.
Best Position for Driver?
From this consideration alone, the ideal position for the driver is as far forward as can be achieved, as, for example, in the London and some other buses. Not only do drivers of these have an excellent all-round view, but there is the psychological factor that they tend to take additional care because there is not much forward hamper to act as a buffer between them and any vehicle at the front.
It amazes many visitors to see how our buses or trolleybuses can be driven to within a few inches of the back of a stationary vehicle. Not that this is a practice to te recommended, although it may help when there is packing of vehicles between traffic lights.
On the average, the visibility from commerciS1 vehicles is probably better than that from cars, the cabs mostly having more clear area. The practice adopted abroad in some types of cab and one which is being adopted here at present to a limited extent, is to fit windows in the sides or doors, almost down to the level of the floor. These are particularly useful for the type of vehicle normally employed for delivery work with many stops. Not only is safety enhanced, but kerbing, so damaging to tyres on the near side, can more easily be avoided and yet the vehicles can be parked close to the pavements.
Facing All Weathers'
There have been a few cases of drivers and operators being prosecuted for using vehicles which, in the opinion of some observant policemen, are unsatisfactory in this respect. In one it was considered that the windscreen was too narrow in depth. Drivers in our field are out in all weathers; they may have to face extreme weather conditions, including fog, and are expected to carry on with their important work long after the private driver has given up.
For that reason, and others which are obvious. good vision is essential. Perhaps the best way of permitting this, although admittedly not very comfortable, is to fit ,windscreens which can be opened to an extent sufficient to give an unimpeded view. Failing this, the wipers should give the largest possible clear area and demisters should be fitted where these are shown to be necessary.
Sprays for the exterior of the screen can also be of great help and the liquid used can contain a proportion of anti-freeze to prevent icing conditions on the glass, which are, possibly, the most difficult with which to cope. The window at the off side of the driver should also be large enough to permit him to have a clear view to the front and rear without feeling that he is in a pillory.
No doubt there are many other features which would give additional safety in respect of visibility, and some of our readers may like to send us their views.